Collier High School Annual Alumni Panel Workshop

Collier High School Annual Alumni Panel Workshop

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Each year the senior class has the opportunity to meet those students who have gone before them. Four Collier High School alumni graciously agreed to share their post graduation journeys with the seniors on the morning of November 10th. They each brought their own unique baton of wisdom to pass on to the class of 2017. Each one shared their joys and their struggles but they always encouraged the seniors to keep their eye on the prize.

Eric Engelberg, class of 2006, is the owner of a contracting business of which he derives great satisfaction when he is able to create a space that his customers can enjoy. He noted, "It's great to see their happy faces after a renovation." Through the years he had attempted college, was successfully employed in computer sales but always had a hand in the construction field. After several years of apprenticing with a contractor, he realized that this was where he was meant to be. He encouraged the seniors to keep moving and searching, even when it may seem that they have not found the right career for them.

Grant Zaitchick, class of 2013, is currently a senior studying music education at Monmouth University. He will be starting his student teaching in September 2017. Grant has enjoyed his tenure at Monmouth and highly recommended the college. He did, however, caution the students to keep a close eye on their finances at school. "The little things you buy can really add up!" Grant gave the seniors some ideas as to how to monitor their purchases.

Joe Sullivan, class of 2011, graduated from Drew University in May 2016. He was immediately accepted into The Shakespeare Theater of NJ after graduation and is currently seeking employment in the theater. Joe spoke of time management and how it will always run out sooner than you think.

Jeanna Mari-Davis, class of 2013, graduated from Middlesex County College in December 2016 with an associates in Psychology. She recently moved to Effort, Pennsylvania where she is employed at local child care center. Jeanna has now realized that she would like to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. She noted that although she has had some set backs along the way, she encouraged the seniors to persevere through them. "Don't be afraid to ask for the help you need, do not give up!" Jeanna is currently considering transferring to East Stroudsburg University in September 2016.

For those alumni reading this article, please know that you are welcome to contact me to speak on our panel for the Fall 2017. If you prefer not to speak in an open forum, feel free to contact me with an update or come to CHS in person. Please call in advance to let me know when you will be here so that I don't miss a chance to catch up with you.